Our mindset is so important in order to accomplish the things we want and to be successful. We have two choices - growth or fixed. A fixed mindset is about believing you can’t change your intelligence, skills, etc., and that it is all “fixed”. Those with this type of mindset usually will not put in extra work or effort to change because they think “it is what it is”. Another example would be saying “I never do anything right” or “this always happens to me”. I am definitely guilty of this, and over time, have learned to change my mindset with practice.
On the other hand, we have a growth mindset. A growth mindset is “the understanding that abilities and understanding can be developed”. People with this positive type of mindset believe they can achieve anything with hard work and time. When we have this mindset, we also view challenges and negative feedback differently, and find positive takeaways. For example, if you got a bad grade on a test, you would understand there is more learning to be done. This mindset helps you view challenges as opportunities. Just like anything, changing your mindset is going to take practice!
So, how can we change this? Try to be mindful of your thoughts and how you are speaking to yourself. Notice how you react to challenges, criticism, or setbacks. Are you positive about being able to change and learn? Or do you take offence to them? Below are some examples of how you can think with a growth mindset:
Fixed vs. Growth
Failing → learning
I can’t do it → I can't do this yet
Threat → Challenge to learn from
I stick to what I know → I like to try new things
I’ll never be that smart → I will learn how to do this
I give up easily → I keep going despite setbacks
Plan A didn’t work → Good thing there’s a plan B!